Experience Feedback
Tanker was proceeding with a Pilot on board to anchor in the designated area for bunkering in a large Asian port. While she approached on a southeasterly heading, a large multi-tug tow was observed right ahead on a reciprocal course.
The Pilot informed the VTS of his intention to pass red to red with the tow, and after passing, to adjust the planned track to arrive at the designated spot in the anchorage area. He then ordered starboard ten in order to pass the tow to port and reduced the speed quickly from harbour full ahead to dead slow ahead.
A short while later, the rudder was ordered back to midship. By then, the vessel had already attained a considerable rate of turn to starboard, so the Pilot ordered the rudder to port ten, followed immediately by port twenty and finally hard to port. However, the vessel continued her rapid swing to starboard, forcing the Pilot to order increased ahead speeds in an attempt to arrest the starboard swing.
Despite these actions – putting the rudder hard to port and increasing the speed to full ahead – the vessel continued her starboard swing. Simultaneously, the vessel was closing rapidly with an anchored tanker that was lying across our path.
With only about two cables clearance, the Pilot ordered full astern and emergency dropping of starboard anchor. At the time of contact, our vessel was almost parallel with the other tanker and stopped through the water, and drifted on to the other tanker, resulting in only a light contact between the two bows.
Root cause/contributory factors
- Bridge team management failure Ð the Master did not exercise his right to take the con of the ship when it became apparent that a serious situation was developing. This resulted from a misplaced trust in the Pilot’s experience and ability;
- Non-compliance with safe speed requirements;
- Insufficient consideration of reduction in manoeuvring capabilities of vessel at slow speed and in shallow water.
Lessons learn
- Always proceed at safe speed when navigating in congested or restricted waters so as to be ready for unexpected traffic situations/emergencies; the passage plan must document intended courses, speeds and contingency plan(s) for every leg until arrival at the designated berth;
- Never rely unduly on others’ expertise and judgment, and maintain full vigilance at all times;
- Every member of the bridge team has the duty and right to actively participate in navigational operations, express opinions and, if necessary, query decisions taken.
Source: Mars/ Nautical Institute
